Tag: Radar Landing Page

RADAR US Is Back With the Raw and Unfiltered Raps of Sexyy Red

February 12, 2024

RADAR was launched in 2020 to support artists and creators as they chart their paths to superstardom, and it has since become the global home for what’s next in music.

In recent years, we’ve been proud to support RADAR alumni like Zach Bryan, Tyla, Villano Antillano, Reneé Rapp, and Peso Pluma. And this month we’re proud to name Sexyy Red as our latest RADAR US artist.

 

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All eyes were on the St. Louis rapper in 2023 when she found success with her track “Pound Town”; she later joined SZA on Drake’s single “Rich Baby Daddy.” Influenced by 2000s southern rap from the likes of Three 6 Mafia and Gucci Mane, Sexyy Red collaborated with Nicki Minaj, Lil Durk, NLE Choppa, Summer Walker, Chief Keef, G Herbo, 42 Dugg, Young Nudy, Latto, and Moneybagg Yo in the last year alone.

But Sexyy Red is just getting started, and we’re committed to helping her career grow even bigger. Through RADAR, we’re working to introduce Sexyy Red to reach new audiences, deepen her connection with her Day 1 fans, and amplify her upcoming releases. She’ll not only be the featured artist of our RADAR US playlist but will receive additional support on- and off-platform. 

Sexyy Red’s addition to our list of RADAR artists follows the recent refresh of the program’s look and feel, which invites fans to step into the world of tomorrow’s stars and find out what inspires them and what keeps them going.

Stream RADAR US to check out the irresistible sounds of Sexyy Red and more of our RADAR picks.

2023 RADAR Colombia Artists Release Spotify Singles in Collaboration with Renowned Producer Ovy On The Drums

November 24, 2023

RADAR Banner

Without a doubt, RADAR has become a home for new music. The Spotify program, which finds talented local emerging artists and gives them the platform they need for a global reach, has especially taken hold in Colombia. Over the course of 2023, RADAR Colombia has gone to new heights by working with Ovy On The Drums, the renowned producer for KAROL G. Ovy, who is also an artist in his own right, joined forces with Spotify to collaborate with three promising Colombian artists on new music.

Ovy, who was also a RADAR artist in 2020,  is the perfect partner to help these promising artists increase their visibility both on digital platforms and beyond, and teach them the composition and production processes used by the region’s and the world’s most outstanding artists. 

This year, RADAR in andean countries has also evolved to provide more solid support to the careers of our program artists. To aid in our search for talented acts, and to ensure our process is informed and equitable, we embarked on a RADAR tour where we connected with over nine promising artists, all of whom had clear plans for launching their work, showed steady commitment to their projects, and were backed by solid teams. From this talented group, we selected the three artists of the year :  Junior Zamora, Valentina Rico, and Loyal Lobos. We flew all three artists to Medellín to record a Spotify Single with Ovy On The Drums.

Get to know the artists and listen to their singles below.

Junior Zamora

Originally from Cali, Colombia, Junior Zamora established himself in the world of music as a talented composer, arranger, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. His unique style, which combines Afro influences with coastal rhythms, urban currents, R&B, and Latin Pop, is reflected in his greatest hits. Junior’s ability to capture and convey a wide range of musical nuances establishes him as a prominent figure in Colombian music.

Valentina Rico

Valentina Rico, a singer and songwriter from Medellín, Colombia, made her mark in the music industry when she was a teenager. Working with Sony Music Publishing Latin, she has written songs for artists such as David Bisbal, Paulina Rubio, Luis Fonsi, Morat, and Danna Paola. Her career includes hits like her album Si Te Soy Sincera and singles like “Miel” and “En Qué Planeta,” which have boosted her recognition as one of the breakout artists. She has also participated in the RADAR Songwriters program.

Loyal Lobos

Loyal Lobos is the musical project of Andrea Silva, a singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles, originally from Bogotá, Colombia. Her songs, which reflect memories of her childhood and experiences as a young adult, address themes of love, sexuality, and femininity. Introduced to music from her childhood, Silva moved to Los Angeles at 18, where Loyal Lobos was born.  Her latest EP, LOBA Vol I, has mesmerized her fans with songs like “Si Volviera A Conocerte” and “Autosabotear“.

These types of programs and projects create more opportunities for emerging artists. In fact, Junior Zamora, was signed by Sony Music after being announced as a RADAR artist.

Check out tracks from other talented artists in Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Peru in our RADAR Andinos playlist.

Artistas RADAR colombianos presentan nuevas colaboraciones con el reconocido productor Ovy On The Drums

November 24, 2023

RADAR Banner

RADAR, el destacado programa de Spotify, se ha consolidado como una plataforma clave para el descubrimiento de nuevo talento. Esta iniciativa, que apoya a artistas emergentes al proporcionarles herramientas para desarrollar sus proyectos y llegar a audiencias globales, ha tenido un impacto bastante importante en Colombia. Este año, el programa ha dado un gran giro al colaborar con Ovy On The Drums, el reconocido productor de KAROL G. El paisa, detrás de éxitos como “TQG” y “PROVENZA”, se unió a Spotify para crear nuevos hits con tres promesas de la música en Colombia. 

Ovy es el aliado perfecto para impulsar a estas nuevas figuras locales y aumentar su visibilidad, así como compartir las mejores prácticas en los procesos de composición y producción de las grandes estrellas del mundo. 

Este año, el programa ha evolucionado para brindar un apoyo aún más sólido a las carreras de los artistas. Con el propósito de encontrar a las nuevas promesas y asegurar un proceso de selección informado y equitativo, realizamos una gira donde conectamos con cerca de nueve artistas emergentes, que tenían planes concretos de lanzamiento, proyectos a largo plazo y equipos consolidados. 

Fue así como finalmente seleccionamos a Junior Zamora, Valentina Rico y Loyal Lobos, quienes volaron a Medellín para grabar un Spotify Single cada uno con el productor. 

Conoce a los artistas y escucha sus nuevos singles

Junior Zamora

Originario de Cali, Colombia, Junior Zamora se estableció en el mundo de la música como un talentoso compositor, arreglista, cantante, productor y multi instrumentista. Su estilo único, que combina influencias afro con ritmos de la costa, corrientes urbanas, R&B y Pop Latino, se refleja en sus mayores éxitos. La habilidad de Junior para capturar y transmitir una amplia gama de matices musicales lo establece como una figura prominente en la música colombiana.

Valentina Rico

Cantante y compositora de Medellín, Colombia, ha marcado su huella en la industria musical desde su adolescencia. Trabajando con Sony Music Publishing Latin, ha creado canciones para artistas como David Bisbal, Paulina Rubio, Luis Fonsi, Morat y Danna Paola. Su carrera incluye éxitos como su álbum ‘Si Te Soy Sincera’ y singles como “Miel” y “En Qué Planeta“, que han impulsado su reconocimiento como una de las artistas revelación. También ha participado en el programa “Radar Songwriters”.

Loyal Lobos

Loyal Lobos es el proyecto musical de Andrea Silva, una cantante y compositora radicada en Los Ángeles, oriunda de Bogotá, Colombia. Sus canciones, que reflejan memorias de su niñez y experiencias como adulta joven, abordan temas de amor, sexualidad y feminidad. Introducida a la música desde su infancia, Silva se trasladó a Los Ángeles a los 18 años, donde nació Loyal Lobos. Su más reciente EP LOBA Vol I, ha cautivado a sus fans con canciones como “Si Volviera A Conocerte” y “Autosabotear”.

Programas como RADAR crean más oportunidades para artistas emergentes. De hecho, Junior Zamora fue firmado por Sony Music después de ser anunciado como artista RADAR.

Descubre canciones de otros talentosos artistas en Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela y Perú en nuestra lista de reproducción RADAR Andinos.

Zior Park Brings Us Into His Universe as the Next RADAR Korea Artist

November 5, 2023

Zior Park RADAR Korea Cover

Known just as much for his visually stunning and artistic music videos as he is for his music, Zior Park is unquestionably one of the most diverse and innovative minds to hit the Korean scene in recent years. With a sound that gives off a merry-go-round Danny Elfman fever dream vibe through a hip-hop lens, the young artist’s fame has been rapidly rising since his 2018 debut.

Now he has reached new heights as this month’s RADAR Korea artist.

RADAR, a global Spotify program, is dedicated to showcasing emerging artists around the world through support, helping them expand their audiences to the global stage. Since its launch in 2020, the RADAR Korea playlist in particular has elevated the best and brightest new talent, like AleXa, ASH ISLAND, NMIXX, SOLE, Huh, and LE SSERAFIM, to the global stage.

As this month’s RADAR artist, Zior will grace the top spot on the RADAR Korea playlist. Additionally, we kicked off an exclusive RADAR party last week that included a live performance and the screening of an official RADAR behind-the-scenes documentary.

Zior first hit the scene in 2018 with his single “Beautiful.” His 2020 album THUNDERBIRD MOTEL and 2022’s SYNDROMEZ showed off a freshly polished dark sound touching on nostalgia, pain, and the experience of living a life that is far from normal. Zior’s latest EPs, WHERE DOES SASQUATCH LIVE? Pt. 1 and the recently dropped WHERE DOES SASQUATCH LIVE? Pt. 2 tell the story of “THE MAN WHO SAW SASQUATCH” and the resulting aftermath. Dripping with quirky child-like playfulness, singles such as “CHRISTIAN,” “QUEEN,” AND “MAGIC!” show off the dark-tinged artistry the South Korean has become most known for. 

“I’m thrilled to share my music with a global audience through Spotify’s RADAR program,” Zior told For the Record. “I will continue to explore my musical world and share exciting music and stories that are uniquely Zior Park.”

Listen to the quirky dark side that is Zior Park and other emerging Korean artists in our RADAR Korea playlist.

At SXSW Sydney, RADAR, EQUAL, and K-Music Take Over Spotify House

October 26, 2023

Blusher performs during the RADAR Artist Showcase & Party at Spotify House during SXSW Sydney on October 19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for Spotify)

For the first time in its history, Austin’s iconic South By Southwest (SXSW) festival expanded beyond its Texas watering hole and traveled all the way to Australia for SXSW Sydney. Fashioned as the Asia-Pacific extension of the original event, SXSW Sydney took place over eight days and included a series of creative sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and more. And you can bet Spotify was along for the ride.

We took over Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel and transformed it into Spotify House across four days. During the day, it was the place to be for panels, networking sessions, and fireside chats. At night, Spotify House became a live-music venue with performances by a stellar line-up of artists from across the Asia-Pacific region. Spotify House was an opportunity to highlight some of our artist-first programs, like RADAR and EQUAL, as well as feature popular genres like K-hip-hop.

On our RADAR

We introduced our latest group of up-and-coming artists during a special RADAR showcase: Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Vv Pete, and Blusher. 

“We are so grateful to be Spotify Australia’s new RADAR artist! We cannot believe the amazing support that we have received so far,” exclaimed the band members of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. “We have absolutely loved seeing new people all over the world listening to us little Teeny Jeanies and we really can’t thank Spotify enough!”

RADAR is our global emerging artist program that supports rising artists, and that includes RADAR Australia and New Zealand, both of which we launched in 2020. Since then, we’ve played a significant role in helping regional artists like PANIA, merci, mercy, CHAII, Genesis Owusu, Youngn Lipz, Baker Boy, grentperez, Larissa Lambert, and Royel Otis cross over into international markets.

The response from a sold-out crowd deeply moved the artists. “We started making music in our bedrooms, and support from Spotify has made it possible to play our music to audiences all over the world,” shared Blusher. “Seeing new listeners connect with our project, being able to share not just our songs but our creative vision through visuals and playlists of the music that inspires us, makes us so excited to bring people into the Blusher world that we’re creating.”

It wasn’t just high-energy performances that amplified RADAR. Hannah Beeching, Spotify’s Lead for Global Music Program RADAR, spoke to industry veterans Andrew Klippel, Artist & Label Manager for Ourness Label, and Mardi Caught, founder of The Annex, a music marketing company, as part of the “RADAR Across Borders” session. “RADAR artists have been added to over 5,000 Spotify playlists since the program launched in 2020, and more than half of these artists have gone on to be added to more playlists in over 10 markets around the world,” Hannah remarked during the talk. 

Spotify’s RADAR Program Brings a Fresh Look and New Stories From Global Artists, Songwriters, and Podcasters

October 5, 2023

Cover Image for RADAR

Since 2020, RADAR has been the global home for what’s next in sound, lifting up rising artists, burgeoning songwriters, and promising podcasters as they develop and expand their global reach on the path to superstardom. To best represent the wide breadth of RADAR and strengthen its commitment to bringing emerging talent to the forefront, we’re taking a step forward in our journey of inviting listeners to witness the future of music, songwriting, and podcasting by bringing them into the creator’s world.

Starting today you’ll notice RADAR’s new look gracing the program’s global collection of playlists, as well as billboards, platform marketing, and social content. Feturing a distinctive paper cutout visual identity, RADAR will put a strong focus on bringing rich storytelling to the mix in addition to a prominent feature on the RADAR playlists. With videos that show  who tomorrow’s stars are, what inspires them, and what keeps them going, listeners can step into the world of their new favorite creators. 

“We’re thrilled to introduce audiences to the future of music, songwriting, and podcasts with this new campaign,” Hannah Beeching, Global Music Programs Lead at Spotify, tells For the Record. “RADAR originally started as a way to support emerging artists and has now expanded to include songwriters and podcasters from around the world. The program gives creators a global platform to help grow their careers and reach new and existing fans through bespoke social content, marketing, and editorial opportunities.” 

Featuring a roster of over 700 artists across 183 countries since its inception, Spotify’s RADAR program has helped showcase what’s next in the world of music, lifting up the very best in global songwriting and performing talent. In recent years, we’ve been proud to support RADAR alumni like Libianca, Alessandro La Cava, Veigh, Shermanology, Tyla, NMIXX, and one of the hottest stars on the planet, Peso Pluma. 

“Songwriters are the heart of the music industry, and we’re proud to bring greater visibility to their craft with RADAR Songwriters,” says Jacqueline Ankner, Songwriter & Publishing Relations Manager at Spotify. “We’ve introduced international hitmakers such as Ines Dunn, Natali Noor, Alessandro La Cava, Beach Noise, and more to new fans globally. We’re excited to continue to elevate the next generation of songwriting superstars with RADAR.”

RADAR Artist Reneé Rapp Dives Headfirst Into Her Music Career With a New Single, Album, and Tour

August 16, 2023

Renee Rapp sitting in a blue room facing the camera

Fans may already know 23-year-old Reneé Rapp from her theater and television careers. Now it’s time for the North Carolina native’s third act—and the one she’s most passionate about—her music career.

Music has always been a present and important part of her life, with Reneé starting to write and record songs when she was a teen. In 2022, she released her first single, “Tattoos,” and then followed it up with her EP, Everything to Everyone. Her pop-driven songs include a range of soft-spoken lyrics and belt-out-loud ballads.

As Reneé prepares for the release of her debut album, Snow Angel, on August 18, the star takes the title of Spotify’s newest RADAR US artist. RADAR, a global Spotify program, is dedicated to showcasing emerging and talented artists around the world through support and resources that help selected artists expand their audiences.

“It’s been incredible to watch Reneé’s growth over the past year—her talent is undeniable,” shared Ashley Graver, Spotify’s Head of Pop, Dance & Indie, Artist Partnerships. “We took an interest in Reneé early on when she had only released two songs and had yet to announce a single live show. Her sound and energy are unmatched. She has a wildly devoted fan base that constantly proclaims their love and has anointed her the next big pop star, and we’re excited to introduce her to an even bigger audience through RADAR.”

Through the RADAR program, Reneé is featured in the RADAR US social content series, which includes an exclusive interview with the artist and a stripped-back performance of a track off her new album. Additionally, she will receive marketing support throughout key milestones, like on-platform promotion, visuals in Times Square, a feature in RADAR’s quarterly partnership with Rolling Stone, and more. The singer is currently showcased on the cover of the RADAR US playlist, and her latest track, “Talk Too Much,” is featured prominently at the top.

“We are very excited to partner with Reneé through our RADAR program. Last year, our editors noticed her music not only because of the quality but also because of the way it was resonating with our users,” said J.J. Italiano, Spotify’s Head of Global Hits. “As we worked with Reneé and her team to help grow her audience on Spotify, we were taken by her passion, motivation, and ambition. When watching her perform as part of our Pop Rising On Tour program, it was immediately clear that she was connecting to fans in the real world as intensely as she was connecting with them on our platform. We’re honored to be a part of Reneé’s journey and looking forward to what’s to come.”

This fall, Reneé will embark on her Snow Hard Feelings tour with Alexander 23, a singer-songwriter and producer who worked with Reneé on the new album. Many shows are already sold out, proving that her presence doesn’t have to be on Broadway or TV screens for fans to flock to her. This is only the beginning for the actress and singer, and through RADAR, we hope to introduce Reneé’s catchy and captivating sound to even more audiences around the globe.

 

Fans can find music from Reneé, and other promising artists to watch, on our RADAR US playlist.

LE SSERAFIM Takes Its Daring Brand of K-Pop to the World as Our Latest RADAR Korea Group

June 7, 2023

From the very start, K-Pop girl group LE SSERAFIM made it known they would stand at the top. Consisting of members Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae, the group has garnered global attention with its unwavering spirit and infectious sound. This is even evident in its name—an anagram of the phrase “I’m fearless”—which serves as a mantra to represent the members’ self-confidence and unbreakable poise.

Now the LE SSERAFIM is taking the next step toward pop superstardom as RADAR Korea’s newest featured act.

RADAR, a global Spotify program, is dedicated to showcasing emerging and talented artists around the world through support and resources that help selected artists expand their global audiences. As part of the RADAR program, Spotify is providing promotional support to LE SSERAFIM through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and billboard placements. We also worked with the group on a RADAR mini-documentary, which you can watch in full below or catch some footage on the Clips featured in our RADAR Korea playlist.

LE SSERAFIM marked its arrival last year with its debut EP FEARLESS and quickly followed that up with a second EP, ANTIFRAGILE. Last month, exactly one year after its first release, the group released UNFORGIVEN, its debut studio album that further showcases the group’s determination to pave its own path. 

Since then, the group’s most-streamed songs globally include: 

“We deeply appreciate the opportunity to connect more closely with our fans around the world through Spotify’s RADAR program,” said Chaewon. “We look forward to continuing to challenge ourselves by sharing music and telling stories that are uniquely LE SSERAFIM.”

Since its launch in 2020, RADAR Korea has supported various emerging Korean artists—including AleXa, ASH ISLAND, NMIXX, SOLE, and Huh—and introduced them to Spotify listeners around the world.

Check out the hottest sounds from these artists and more with the RADAR Korea playlist.

RADAR US Is Back With Peso Pluma, the Emerging Hitmaker Taking Música Mexicana to the Global Stage

May 23, 2023

peso pluma holds his sunglasses over his eyes while sticking his tongue out

As Música Mexicana (Mexican music) increasingly captivates fans around the world, few of the genre’s stars have risen as rapidly as Mexico’s Peso Pluma. The 23-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter is booming, evolving from social media sensation to prolific hitmaker.

Now the young star is the latest featured artist in the RADAR US class of 2023.

RADAR is our program that spotlights emerging talent from around the world, helping artists at all stages of their career develop and expand their global reach on their path to superstardom. As part of the program, Peso Pluma will receive marketing, editorial, and on-platform support over the course of the next few months, including a feature as our RADAR US playlist cover star. 

Peso Pluma’s big break came in 2022 with his single “El Belicon,” which features Raul Vega and was supported on playlists like Corridos and Los Que Mandan. Nearly one year later, he cemented himself as Música Mexicana’s newest star with “Ella Baila Sola,” featuring Eslabon Armado. The single became Spotify’s all-time most-streamed Musica Mexicana track in one day globally and the most-streamed Latin song in the U.S in one single day in April 2023. 

peso pluma sitting on a stool in front of a mic with members of his band behind him.

With Peso at the forefront of the genre, Música Mexicana has exploded in popularity over the past five years. Contributing to Latin music’s dominance on the chart, the genre has grown over 431% in streams on Spotify globally. Check out these additional stats: 

  • Peso Pluma is currently #4 on Spotify’s Top Artists globally.
  • “Ella Baila Sola” is currently #1 on Spotify’s Top 50 US and Top 50 Global charts.
  • Peso Pluma has over 48 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and he’s the 48th-most-popular artist on-platform.
  • Today, 10 out of the top 20 songs on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart are Latin, five of which are by Mexican artists. This is a testament to the increasing popularity of Música Mexicana.

And Peso Pluma isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With his third studio album slated for release this summer, he’s also gearing up for a U.S. tour that kicks off in June. Amid all the excitement, For the Record sat down with Peso to talk about his biggest inspirations, the future of Latin music, and how it feels to be a RADAR US artist.

How did your journey into music begin?

I’ve always enjoyed music, but I actually was more into sports. I started playing around with music because I had friends that enjoyed it. I didn’t think I was that good at first, but I kept practicing and I did it with passion. After a while, I started writing with my cousin Tito. It was definitely a rough journey, but I stayed true to myself!

peso pluma looks down at the floor while wearing sunglasses

What’s your creative process like?

I try to not over think it—I listen to a song and just vibe with it. I imagine how all of the instruments will sound around my vocals, and how I can add my personal stamp to it. If I can’t do that, then the song probably isn’t for me. I like to get involved in production, but my producers and musicians are definitely an important part of the whole process.

What would you like your fans to get out of your music?

I want my fans to smile, laugh, cry, and dance. I want my music to make them feel something, and I want them to enjoy it as much as I do.

Which artists have inspired you the most?

Drake, Bad Bunny, Travis Scott, Natanael Cano. I look up to so many different artists. I love music and I draw inspiration from a lot of people.

What are you looking forward to as a RADAR US artist? 

I’m looking forward to exposing more of the world to Música Mexicana and to my culture. There’s a lot more to us than people might think. We have a lot to offer, and I’m sure we can make an impact out there.

What are you most looking forward to as Latin music, and particularly Música Mexicana, starts to become a beloved genre worldwide?

I’m looking forward to showing everyone that we can make global music, too. It’s a really special opportunity to show people that we can reach fans around the world.

Are there any Spotify for Artists tools you use regularly?

I always use my Spotify for Artists app to check on new releases through the real-time Listening Now feature that shows what people are listening to at the moment. It makes me feel connected to them in a way.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

I really care about the details. I always want to make sure I’m giving my best in every possible way. I’m also very specific about the vision for my projects. Overall, I’m just passionate about music and I want to transmit that to the world.

What are some of your rituals before you record a song?

I just go for it. Once we’ve got everything in place with my producers and musicians, everything flows from there. 

Any advice for fellow emerging artists?

Don’t give up on your dreams. It sounds cliché, but don’t stop! Be original and unique in your own way. Hard work pays off, and most importantly, so does being true to yourself.

Listen to Peso Pluma and more rising stars in our RADAR US playlist.

Raissa Anggiani Finds Success Through RADAR Indonesia and Paves the Way for Its 2023 Class

May 17, 2023

It didn’t take long for listeners in Indonesia to be enchanted by Raissa Anggiani. The 19-year-old’s music, which can be described as flowing folk-pop and bedroom-pop, has fans hitting repeat on tracks like “Kau Rumahku” and “if you could see me cryin’ in my room,” a duet with fellow Indonesian pop artist Arash Buana.

Raissa began to gain traction in 2022, the same year she became a member of RADAR, Spotify’s program to showcase emerging artists globally. Since being highlighted in RADAR marketing and receiving on-platform support, Raissa has seen a 151% increase in monthly listeners, 629% growth in followers on her artist page, and 790% surge of streams over the past year. 

“RADAR is an important program for us at Spotify. We are always looking to support artists at every stage of their career, and RADAR is one of the ways we’re providing roadways for emerging artists to shine through,” shared Kossy Ng, Head of Music Spotify Asia. “Raissa is a great example of how the program is beneficial to local artists. We couldn’t be more proud of her.” 

The Jakarta-born singer was featured on Spotify’s RADAR Indonesia 2022 playlist and was included in the #RamadandiSpotify campaign. She was also chosen as an EQUAL Ambassador, making her an important part of our program that extends resources and opportunities to women artists.

“It feels amazing to be in this position given that I am very new to this industry. Spotify has played a pivotal role in shaping my music career and has helped me realize that achieving big dreams is possible, and it’s within the reach of anyone,” said Raissa. “RADAR has opened doors to many opportunities, one of which is being chosen as the EQUAL Indonesia Ambassador. I can say that RADAR has boosted my confidence in my potential.”

Her song “Kau Rumahku” is on Spotify Indonesia’s Top 10 Weekly Chart and has been sitting there for 24 weeks straight, amassing more than 96 million global streams.* Currently, Raissa is working on a mini-album and collaborating with several producers as she continues to connect with fans through her dreamy melodies.

Class of 2023

We’re excited to reveal the latest class of RADAR Indonesia talent. For 2023, the program is spotlighting 10 artists representing a range of sounds from pop to indie to folk. 

  • Anggi Marito tops the Spotify Indonesia weekly chart with her heartfelt tunes.
  • Awdella and Bernadya dazzle listeners with their soulful vocals.
  • Aziz Hedra, who also entered the Top 10 Spotify Indonesia weekly chart and found a spot on several Top 50 Viral Songs charts, brings his unique take on R&B.
  • Naura Ayu delivers an energetic mix of pop and R&B tunes for listeners.
  • Hal and Nadhif Basalamah serenade fans with their folk and indie-pop songs.
  • Stereo Wall gives an energizing boost to the alternative-rock genre.
  • ENVY* serves up authentic hip-hop beats to listeners.
  • Maulana Ardiansyah’s melodic voice can be heard on his pop-melayu songs.

These artists are finding their groove and attracting new listeners daily. If you’re ready to hear more from RADAR Indonesia’s class of 2023, check our dedicated playlist.

 

*As of May 17, 2023

RADAR Poland Returns With 5 Artists Who Embrace a Truly Genreless Sound

May 17, 2023

RADAR serves as Spotify’s program to spotlight rising talent from around the world, supporting emerging artists on their journey to global stardom—including 15 up-and-coming Polish creators to date.

Since RADAR’s launch in 2020, we’ve offered support through dedicated playlists, special editorial placements, and personalized marketing plans, helping expand the profiles of many of these entertainers. One of our 2022 featured artists, Marissa, boosted her global Spotify streams by a cool 2,500%.

Now we’re launching our fourth edition of RADAR Poland. This year’s edition includes IGNACY, Frank Leen, ta Ukrainka, bambi, and stickxr. As music moves beyond the era of strictly defined genres, these five new artists represent a growing trend coming out of Poland: a distinct, genreless sound that draws not only from a variety of musical styles, but also from art, social media, and the international music scene.

This fluid, borderless approach is resonating with Poland’s young listeners, who are basing their music tastes on qualities like mood, vibe, and lyrical content.

As part of the RADAR Poland program, each of the featured artists released a new single today, on which we’ve worked with them to provide the necessary support and resources.

Keep reading to find out why these rising talents have fans buzzing.

Frank Leen

Frank Leen is a singer-songwriter with a genre-bending sound that spans house, pop, and alternative rap. The 26-year-old has also made a name for himself as a producer, collaborating with artists like Mr. Polska, Abel de Jong, and Alicja.

Stream Frank Leen’s new single, “Most”:

ta Ukrainka

Born in Lubny, a small town in central Ukraine, ta Ukrainka makes powerful music that explores themes like war and emigration. She seamlessly shifts between alternative sounds, showcasing a different musical and visual aesthetic with each single she releases.

Stream ta Ukrainka’s new single, “(Chyba) Ostatni Dzień”:

bambi

This 20-year-old has caught the attention of the Polish rap scene, incorporating the sounds of hyperpop and trap into her songs. Her single “IRL” recently took Poland by storm, becoming Spotify’s most-streamed track in the country for almost two weeks.

Stream bambi’s new single, “Milie Walky”:

IGNACY

IGNACY doesn’t let any one genre fully define him, but he does derive his sound from extensive professional jazz training. A talented piano player who writes his own music, IGNACY had a breakout moment with his 2022 single “Czekam Na Znak” and was recently nominated for a Fryderyk award—the Polish equivalent of a Grammy.

Stream IGNACY’s new single, “Samoloty”:

stickxr

With multiple tracks garnering millions of Spotify streams, stickxr has quickly made a name for himself. This young artist started out as a rapper but has evolved as a vocalist, with his most recent songs evoking pop, punk, and indie sounds.

Stream stickxr’s new single, “kartki”:

Now that you know the artists, dive into this melting pot of sounds on our RADAR Poland playlist.

RADAR US Returns With the Soulful, Ever-Evolving Singer-Songwriter Q

April 14, 2023

Side Profile of Q

It can often be difficult for a musician to develop a sound that is distinctly and uniquely their own, but Florida singer, songwriter, and producer Q Marsden, known mononymously as Q, has found his within the ever-changing variety of music itself. With his soulful voice, vulnerable lyrics, and production elements that span across genres, Q has made a name for himself as one of R&B’s strongest and most promising rising stars. 

And now the musical jack-of-all-trades is the latest artist in the RADAR US class of 2023.

Spotify’s RADAR program is committed to supporting artists on their paths to superstardom, helping rising talent at all stages of their development strengthen their connection to audiences while encouraging their ongoing artistic development.

Hailing from Pembroke Pines, Florida, the 23-year-old musician made his debut in 2018 but has been laying down tracks since he was a child. Q grew up in a musical family and credits Drake’s 2013 album Nothing Was The Same as the reason for his focus on the production process. Taking inspiration from rap, R&B, reggae, and funk, his latest EP, NOT ALONE, showcases his ever-evolving style and talent.

As part of his involvement in the RADAR program, Q will be launching a countdown page for the upcoming release of his album Soul,PRESENT with bespoke clips and debuting a stripped-back performance video featuring a focus track. The rising star will also step into our studio to record Spotify Singles and is prominently featured as the cover artist on the RADAR US playlist, with photos taken by director/photographer Kaito.

For the Record sat down with Q to talk about his musical journey, his inspirations, and how it feels to be a RADAR US artist.   

Tell us about your journey into music.

Q Standing with a microphoneMy journey started when I was a young child. The earliest memory I have is when I was five years old playing on my mom’s keyboard and going to my dad’s recording studio in Jamaica. I grew up making music and having fun exploring my creativity, which both of my parents encouraged. In high school, I traded my guitar for a MacBook and started making beats, which made me really fall in love with the production process.

From there I started rapping, but as I explored new artists and alternative sounds, my musical style shifted. After graduating high school, I released my first project to showcase my talent and people began to take notice. From there I switched my sound up, started to play guitar again, and moved into the singing that I’m doing now.

What’s your creative process like?

I don’t think about it too much, to be honest, I just wake up and think, “What am I going to do? What am I going to use?” Then I just go and chisel away at a song throughout the morning.

What would you like your fans to get out of your music?

I’d like them to hear a message of hope, to be honest. A lot of times when we listen to music, there’s more of a focus on relatability and not offering any type of solution. So I try to promote solid messages for people to help them with things like grief. I don’t want to leave people with a sense that they have to remain in the state they are currently in, because there are other emotions to explore and we don’t want to stay in just one place forever.

Which artists have inspired you the most?

Quincy Jones has really inspired me a lot because of his approach to production. Michael Jackson too, because, well, everyone listened to Michael Jackson. 

In a lot of interviews I’ve always been asked who inspired me, but I’ve never really known what to say. But this year, as I started listening to more music, I realized that the reggae artist Dennis Brown has inspired me in so many tangible ways. He’s just a really smart musician and singer.

And Drake! Oh man, Drake. When I was listening to him I was thinking, “This man is saying some deep stuff.” I just never felt like I’ve heard production on a scale that Nothing Was The Same was on. It was just mind-blowing to me.

What are you looking forward to as a RADAR US artist?

I’m looking forward to my music being in front of a lot more people. It all has to start with people listening to your music, and Spotify has given me the opportunity to showcase my work. It’s really a blessing.

Are there any Spotify for Artist tools you use regularly? 

I thought it was so cool when I was able to put the lyrics up with my songs, because it’s just a little thing that makes the listening experience better. And I’m really excited to use video elements with my music, especially on the project I’m developing now. And also, it’s not an artist tool, but I really love the DJ! I use it all the time.

Any advice for fellow emerging artists?

Be confident in what you do, but be open to listening to others. It’s amazing and easy to be confident, but sometimes it’s good to have that bit of external guidance that takes you to places you never thought you would go. It’s very important to have that balance between doing and listening.  

In my music, I’ve done everything myself. But now I know that I’m going to need new perspectives to help me evolve my sound, and that’s been helping me a lot. Even if you do 99% of the work, letting someone help you with that final one percent can go a long way.

Listen to Q along with more of the best and brightest new talent in our RADAR US playlist.